WINDERMERE, Fla. — Former Orange County SWAT commander Tom Stroup announced that he would no longer be running for sheriff in a post on Facebook.
“My wife and I are very involved and committed to several community volunteer programs in addition to our family commitments and do not currently have the required time to dedicate to an effective election campaign,” he wrote.
Stroup, who was running as a Republican, said that he still planned to be active in the Orange County community.
Here’s the full Facebook post:
"As I write this letter my first thoughts are how grateful I am for all of the unbelievable support from my family my friends and the citizens of Orange County. After much prayer and discussion with my wife, my family and my friends I have decided that I will not continue my bid for the office of Orange County Sheriff. My wife and I are very involved and committed to several community volunteer programs in addition to our family commitments and do not currently have the required time to dedicate to an effective election campaign. I will however, continue to pursue other opportunities to serve my community in public service. Once again, thank you for all of your support. I would also like to extend the best of luck to the remaining candidates."
Current Orlando Police Chief John Mina and challenger Jose Lopez, a 30-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, are still in the race.